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VIPs check Woja causeway

A European Union-funded causeway at Woja, Ailinglaplap was a highlight of a special visit to the atoll led by President Loeak this week. Pictured, from left: OEPPC General Manager Lowell Alik, Public Works Minister Hiroshi Yamamura, Japan Ambassador Hideyuki Mitsuoka, President Loeak, Ywao Elanso, Regional Program Director, Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) Dr. Gillian Chamber, Jimata Kabua, NorthRep Office and SPC Representative Rupeni Mario and Internal Affairs Minister David Kabua. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

HILARY HOSIA

The European Union and the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project injected a total of $600,132 to Ailinglaplap for a causeway project in Woja and two 20,000-gallon water catchments in Woja and Buoj islands — projects that were the subject of ribbon cutting ceremonies and visits by President Loeak and a team of VIPs Tuesday this week.
It took Public Works four months to complete the 135-meter (442-foot) causeway.
Public Works Minister Hiroshi Yamamura told the ceremony at Woja that this project shows the capabilities of Public Works to successfully carry out construction projects at the same level as private contractors.
The causeway was built without any reef blasting, said Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Development (OEPPC) Director Lowell Alik.
With the causeway in place, the 20-plus families residing at the connecting end of the causeway can go to school, stores and hospital without worrying about difficulties that high tides bring.
The causeway was funded by the European Union with $500,000, Secretariat of the Pacific Community was the technical partner while OEPPC worked closely with Public Works on the groundwork.
Japan’s Grassroots Grant program provided $100,132 for the two 20,000 water catchments.

Read more about this in the November 6, 2015 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.